The Tower of Nero
by Rick Riordan
Disney Hyperion Digital 2020
Easy read — content targets 6th grade and up
Reading level 5.6 (5th grade) but themes aimed at ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- identity and redemption
- friendship and loyalty
- courage and sacrifice
- destiny and prophecy
- power and responsibility
- found family
- perseverance
- good vs. evil
About this book
In the finale of the Trials of Apollo, the once-mighty sun god—now a teen named Lester—must face his most dangerous challenge yet alongside his fierce demigod friend Meg. Packed with mythological monsters, daring quests, and laugh-out-loud humor, this action-heavy adventure brings Apollo’s journey toward humility and heroism to a thrilling close. It’s perfect for fans of Percy Jackson who enjoy fast-paced battles, witty banter, and heartfelt friendships. Best for upper middle-grade readers who like modern twists on Greek and Roman myths.
Setting: contemporary United States, primarily New York City and Camp Half-Blood
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Tower of Nero right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for The Tower of Nero. The reading level is AR 5.6, which is typical for 5th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include identity and redemption, friendship and loyalty, courage and sacrifice.
How long does it take to read The Tower of Nero?
At a typical 5th grade reading pace, The Tower of Nero takes around 12h to finish. The book has 118,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Tower of Nero have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Tower of Nero has an AR quiz available, worth 18 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Tower of Nero?
The Tower of Nero has an AR reading level of 5.6, which places it at a 5th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.